Dutch and Australian governments have formally accused Russia as being responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH-17, which was shot down by Russian-backed separatists forces in July 2014. Both countries have informed Russian officials of plans to enter negotiations to ensure justice and closure is brought to families affected by the deaths of those on-board MH-17. The Joint Investigation team, consisting of Netherlands, Australia, Ukraine, Malaysia and Belgium are aiming to present a case to an international court in the coming months.

A Global Aerolienas Damojh (Cuba) Boeing 737-200, performing flight from Havana to Holguin on behalf of Cubana de Aviacion, was departing out of Jose Marti International Airport, when it lost height and impacted ground shortly after takeoff. Three surviving passengers were taken to hospital with serious injuries, however succumbed to their injuries in the following days. As a result, all 112 occupants on board sustained fatal injuries and the aircraft was destroyed. Initial findings indicate that the flight crew had pitched the aircraft too steeply during take-off which resulted in a stall, however the official investigation is ongoing.

European authorities have raised concerns regarding Venezuela’s ability to maintain safety levels within its aviation industry and air transport operations. In recent years, Venezuela has been struggling with its own economic crisis which has prompted numerous international carriers to withdraw services from the country. The European Commission has stated that it will continue to consult with operators and the Instituto Nacional de Aeronautica Civil to verify compliance and safety standards throughout the nation and has confirmed it will take corrective action if deemed necessary.